Meet the COG

Meet the COG: Terri Roddy

Next up in our Meet the COG series is Terri Roddy!

Terri is the Service Support and Eligibility Specialist for the COG and she was interviewed by Donna Palazzo.

What is something you think everyone should see at least once?

Terri paused and then thoughtfully spoke, “Everybody should really go to visit Pearl Harbor.” She continued, “It’s a truly moving experience, to see what they went through and what we have because of them. It was both beautiful and horrifying at the same time.” Terri shared she has lived her life as a pacifist. “I have always had the deepest respect for the military and people who have served this country. It really made me look at myself and the world. It was a very introspective moment for me.” Finally, she admitted, having to go to Hawaii doesn’t hurt either.

What job would you be terrible at?

Terri’s degree is in social work, so easily she said, “Accounting.” She said she can’t do anything with numbers. “I am a people person. Numbers are not my friend.”

What is a fun fact about you that would surprise people?

Back in the day, Terri shared she had been a “box jumper.” Not knowing what that is, Terri described for me how she had been a magician’s assistant, appearing and disappearing from boxes, bringing props onto and off of the stage, causing audiences to look at her giving the magician that brief moment for the sleight of hand. They performed for college parties, private parties and other small events.

What is the most annoying habit other people have?

Terri admits hearing people say the word “like” every other word. “I find myself counting the number of times they say the word and don’t really hear what they are trying to say to me.”

What was the hardest lesson you had to learn?

Because Terri is a people person/social worker, her most difficult lesson has been learning how to say “No!” she shared, especially saying no to her family. At times in her former role as SSA she was known to be the “party planner” for co-workers (birthdays, showers, weddings). When people start to expect you to always do the work, it makes it feel less special. She concluded that she had to take a step back and learn how to take care of herself.

If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?

Well, if she can’t say her family and friends, she said:

My cell phone – I keep in touch with everyone I love with it.

My car – I have to get places I love to go with it.

My kindle – I take it everywhere and read whenever I have to wait wherever I am.

My credit card – I use it for all purchases for the cash back it provides.

My wedding rings – No explanation necessary. Glenn is the love of her life.

What do you look forward to doing in the future?

“Retiring again!” Terri had only been retired, literally, for 2 days when the COG snatched her up. (Good catch) Terri and Glenn will be married 33 years in August. Together, they share 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Terri looks forward to having more time to do more fun things. They enjoy traveling, live music and trying new places to eat. Terri knows that sharing a driveway with her parents will mean that down the road, she will be the primary care giver. Terri wants to fill her life with all things fun before her folks need more of her attention.

What do you want people to remember about you?

“I would want people to remember that I was helpful and kind; a person who was there to help you when you needed it.” Terri has a sign hanging in her office that reads. “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. ” -Dali Lama.